COSBY, Tenn. — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) concluded its spring trout stocking in Cosby Creek on Monday, June 23, 2025, with the support and presence of Tennessee State Representative Jeremy Faison. Earlier, TWRA stocked the trout pond at Eiffel Tower Park in Paris, as well as ponds in McKenzie and Union City.
This trout stocking is part of TWRA’s annual statewide efforts to maintain healthy fish populations and provide quality recreational fishing opportunities. However, Monday’s event also served as a visible reminder of TWRA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the health and resilience of waterways impacted by Hurricane Helene.
“I couldn’t be more thankful for the TWRA’s incredible efforts,” said Rep. Faison. “By stocking trout in Cosby Creek and other cold-water streams, they’re making a tremendous impact on children, anglers, and our local economy.”
Last month, TWRA stocked 10,000 Walleye into the Pigeon River—a proactive measure in response to concerns about potential storm-related effects on aquatic ecosystems.
“Along with Rep. Faison, we understand the public’s concern about the effects of recent flooding on river ecosystems,” said TWRA Chief of Fisheries Jason Henegar. “Surveys of Helene-affected areas show minimal impact on fish populations so far. But as part of our commitment to sound fisheries management, we proceeded with both last month’s Walleye and today’s trout stocking to support natural reproduction and improve angler success.”
TWRA Regional Fisheries Program Manager Jim Habera added, “Post-flood water quality assessments conducted by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) did not reveal any issues, and no new fish consumption advisories have been issued. A more comprehensive evaluation of fish populations in these streams is underway and will be available later in 2025.”
TWRA typically halts trout stocking in many locations as water temperatures rise during the summer months, since warmer conditions can negatively impact trout survival. While spring stocking is winding down, anglers can still find opportunities to fish for wild trout—particularly in cooler, high-elevation streams throughout the mountains.
TWRA stocks more than 500,000 trout annually at over 80 locations statewide and releases more than 10 million warm- and cold-water fish each year into Tennessee’s rivers, lakes, and streams. These efforts enhance native fish populations, maintain ecosystem balance, and support Tennessee’s vibrant recreational fishing industry.
Photo: Buffalo Springs Hatchery Manager Roger Bitz (left) looks on as Wildlife Technician Devin Hevener (top) places Rainbow Trout into a bucket held by Tennessee State Representative Jeremy Faison (right), who assisted with stocking Cosby Creek during TWRA’s spring trout stocking program. The event also highlighted TWRA’s ongoing commitment to restoring and protecting waterways impacted by Hurricane Helene.